Interserve FM Archive

25 November 2013

Interserve and University of Sussex partner in £150 million service delivery contract

Interserve, the international support services and construction group, has formed a new partnership with the University of Sussex. The partnership – Sussex Estates and Facilities LLP - will deliver a 10 year facilities management contract to the University. Interserve will provide management and administration services to the partnership.

The £150 million contract with Sussex Estates and Facilities will commence on January 1 and marks the start of a unique partnership between Interserve and the University. Sussex Estates and Facilities will provide services across 23 service specifications including cleaning, grounds maintenance, buildings management, portering, mailroom and postal services, security, car parking, waste management, health and safety support, estates project management and energy-saving improvements.

A key focus will be the delivery of best-practice processes to enable significant service improvements to the University's students, staff and visitors as it continues to grow. These improvements include: a reduction of carbon emissions, a new helpdesk staffed 24/7 and investments in skills development and employment opportunities. Sussex Estates and Facilities will also offer graduate opportunities and apprenticeships within its delivery team. For instance, six undergraduates will be given the opportunity to work on the contract each year as trainee managers.

John Duffy, Registrar and Secretary at the University of Sussex, commented: "Through working in partnership with Interserve we will ensure the long-term development of our campus facilities, ensuring that we are benefitting from new technology, best-in-class systems and the sector-leading standards that Interserve works to.

"Sussex Estates and Facilities has been established to provide industry-leading support services that will improve the research and teaching environment for students and staff, as well as supporting the local economy.

"Our students will benefit not just from the improvement in campus facilities and services, but through the opportunity for work placements and longer-term job opportunities with an experienced team."

Bruce Melizan, Executive Director at Interserve added: "At the core of our service is the delivery of effective transformation programmes, which focus on people and processes, to deliver great service in an efficient manner. We look forward to bringing that experience to support the University of Sussex in its ambitious plans for growth and development.

"Our team is particularly keen to help the students gain 'real-world' work experience in an environment that they are familiar and comfortable with. Additionally we look forward to helping the university to develop beneficial skills and knowledge for its future development."

The University of Sussex is a leading UK research-intensive university with over 13,000 students and 2,200 staff, based in a distinctive campus environment on the edge of Brighton, surrounded by the South Downs National Park.

Notes to editors

Interserve Facilities Management was a part of the Interserve Group and was acquired by Mitie on 30 November 2020.